Time, Money, and Grit: The Price of True Adventure
Over the last decade, I have mostly lived out of a 40-litre bag, making new friends, eating and exploring, and always on the lookout for the overlooked. After years of observation, I noticed that everything in travel—like life—boils down to three things: time, money and grit.
The Cycle of Tourism
Travel generally follows a predictive wave. It begins with a brave few—adventurers who discover places off the map. Then comes the backpackers, staying in simple guesthouses and eating whatever the locals cook up. Their arrival sparks excitement, bringing small scale tourism and community driven services. Resulting in what a lot of people call the Banana Pancake Trail.
As the word spread about these beautiful, untouched places, luxury resorts arrive, catering to those who seek comfort and curated experiences. Influencers flood in next, posting carefully staged images that fuel the desire of the masses. The once-pristine spot now becomes crowded with selfie-seekers. Prices spike, the intimate guesthouses pivot to meet demand, and over-tourism settles in.
Eventually the market balances out. Mid-range options emerge, finding a sweet spot between luxury and affordability. But by then, the magic of discovery has been diluted. The essence of the place is gone.
The Sweet Spot of Authenticity
The adventurer’s sweet spot is just before the tipping point—when backpackers have found the place but before the luxury developments overshadow it. Here you’ll find authentic experiences: home cooked meals, stories of old fishermen, and people eager to share a little bit of their world. The cost is fair, the community is empowered, and the feeling is genuine.
This is why being an adventurer is often cheaper too. It’s not about spending the least—it’s about spending wisely, investing in meaningful experiences that haven’t been commodified by mass tourism.
The three types of travellers:
Backpackers— They have all the time in the world, but limited money. They chase the road less travelled, driven by curiosity and stories from others. Backpackers mostly pay with a lot of grit and time.
Selfie-seekers— A newer phenomenon, and spinoff of the typical tourists. They travel the same well-trodden paths choosing where to go based on viral spots rather than personal adventure. Selfie-seekers mostly pay with money and little bit of grit.
Holidayers— They travel with more money, valuing comfort, but often settle for touristy experiences that guarantee satisfaction—no matter how generic—because they usually end up in fulls service resorts. Holidayers mostly pay with money and a little bit of time.
Everyday traveller— Flexible with both time and money. They balance between new places and what’s easily available, replying on what’s already been discovered. Travellers pay a nice balance of time, money, and grit.
All these travellers, in their own ways, are searching for something. But what makes the difference is the adventurer—someone who knows that true experiences require a little extra grit and sacrifice and are also willing to pay a little bit extra to go off the beaten track. The adventurer’s price for travel is paid with a lot of grit and a lot of time.
Why Time, Money and Grit Matter
Time gives you the chance to find the best season, when the sky is so crisp you see mountains to the horizon. It allows people to linger in the places that resonate.
Money means investing in fair wages, conservation efforts and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Grit is the fuel—it’s the spirit that says “yes” to the unknown, to the quiet dive sites and humble homestays, to the trust that comes with supporting small operators and local communities.
Finding the Balance with Chicken Feet Travels
At Chicken Feet Travels, we’re adventurers first. We don’t just pick destinations based on reviews. We follow the whispers of destinations unknown. We spend days exploring places ourselves, talking to local guides and small operators to find authentic experiences.
We believe time in the one thing you can’t buy back. Grit is the willingness to face the unknown. And money is a tool to support communities, not just a ticket to convenience.
When we create trips, we’re not just booking hotels or checking off bucket lists. We’re working with the original stewards of a place—the people who know the seasons and daily fluctuations of their ocean, the hidden spots, and the pulse of their community. We collaborate with those who’ve integrate conservation and preservation into their daily operations.
We’ve learned that adventure doesn’t always mean fancy gear or brag-worthy photos. It means showing up, asking questions, and travelling with curiosity.
So when you choose to travel with us, you’re not just signing up for a holiday. You’re choosing to pay the price of true adventure—time, money, and grit—to see the best version of every destination.
We promise it will be worth it.
